Tunisian marriage

Tunisia is a very rich country culturally, because of its strategic position between the eastern world and the occidental world represented by the European countries that are located very close to the country. However, some of the country’s cultural traditions have stayed until today and this is what gives even more charm to this country that gives so much in terms of culture and art. The main tradition that the Tunisians keep and give a rather important interest to it, is the tradition of marriage.

The Tunisian marriage is done according to a set of traditions that we have previously inherited from our ancestors. The wedding party must be perfect at all levels. The families of the bride and groom must live this event as the most beautiful and prestigious. This is why Tunisian families opt for a seven days and seven nights wedding, where all family members are invited to spend seven days and seven nights celebrating. The young bride is covered with gifts during this week of celebration.

Traditions before the wedding day

Each day before the wedding day is a very significant celebration and has a special name.

The First day named “saboun”

Where the bride’s trousseau is prepared between aunts and cousins by packing it in pretty boxes surrounded by silk ribbon. What is the « bridal trousseau » ? Historically, the bride’s trousseau consisted of lingerie, bedding and cosmetic product. The wedding trousseau was displayed at the wedding as a symbol of wealth. Once the trousseau was completed, all the people in the neighborhood were invited to come and admire it.

Second day “hazzén el farch”

Is the continuation of saboun, we unpack all the trousseau of the bride in her future house and this in front of the family which helps to arrange it.

Third day “hammam”

This day is entirely reserved for the bride, she goes there surrounded by women of her family in an atmosphere of traditional songs. All the women present are dressed in traditional clothes and take care of her. Scrubbing with the glove of kessa, mask with clay and chickpea flour... Everything is done to make her shine !

Fourth day “henna”

The bride is applied a paste of henna and rose water on her hands and feet. This is done to bring luck to the bride in her marital life.

Fifth day “harkous”

This day is somewhat similar to the previous day. A second layer of drawing is applied on the hands and feet of the bride. Then, a complete hair removal session is organized with sugar to allow her to have a radiant skin. At the end of the session, a white stone and rose water are passed over the bride’s body to make it soft and silky.

Sixth day “the outéya”

The future spouses celebrate separately.

The bride celebrates in the presence of women only. It is also known as the “bride’s party”. All the guests, as well as the bride, are dressed in oriental and traditional dresses according to their region of origin.

Seventh day “dokhla”

The D-day when both bride and groom gather in a common party where the whole family, friends and neighbors are invited. The groom usually wears a traditional Tunisian suit made of silk or another luxurious fabric. The bride also dresses in a traditional way with a dress that can vary depending on the region. According to Tunisian tradition, the bride and groom must be seated at the beginning of the ceremony. They must be seated in a seat decorated with white silk.

A hearty meal is then served to several hundred guests, they then party all night on Tunisian music. To finish, the groom offers to his wife a bouquet of flower as a sign of fertility in addition to all the other gifts she receives from the family-inlaw, friends, neighbors and family.

Nourada Chaffai